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'Onus on batsmen', says Azhar

"Batsmen hold the key for India on our tour of New Zealand, if they give us enough runs, then our bowlers should have no problem since we have a good balanced attack," said Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin on the last day of the training camp in Mumbai.

Azharuddin and coach Anshuman Gaekwad jointly addressed the media on the eve of their departure on what will be India's sixth tour of New Zealand. The camp wound up a day ahead of schedule in order to give the players some breathing space before the long, 45-day tour.

Azhar, who has toured New Zealand four times, said it was not easy to predict how the wickets would behave this time round. "Normally there is some bounce and movement, so it will be important to get used to the conditions as fast as possible," the Indian skipper said.

Azhar said that wind was a factor in some centres there, but added that the quality of wickets in New Zealand have improved over the years.

Coach Gaekwad pointed out that the home side always has the edge, since it is already familiar with conditions, but added that the two tour games before the first Test should help the Indian team get their act together.

Asked about the short, four day camp, Gaekwad said that the objectives had been achieved, without however going into specifics.

On the final day, on Tuesday, Ajit Agarkar and Sunil Joshi both skipped camp, citing stomach upsets. Gaekwad said the problem was minor, and that all his players were fit and raring to go.

"We have no injury problems now, and are keeping our fingers crossed," he added.

Azharuddin said that the Kiwis have a good bowling attack, with Cairns being the main strike bowler. "If the ball does a lot, we have the bowling to exploit the conditions," Azhar said, pointing out that Agarkar, Srinath and Prasad could make a potent combination, with Mohanty in support.

Asked about Daniel Vettori's possible influence, Azhar said that though Vettori was a world class spinner, Indian batsmen tended not to bother too much about such things as they were the best when it came to playing spin.

Coach Gaekwad said that while there was no overt bid to nurse Srinath, it was not yet decided whether he would play only the Tests, or the ODIs as well. "It depends on how he feels at any given point," Gaekwad said.

The Indian coach said he was happy with Harbajan Singh's form. "He is bowling well, and is very confident, the confusion about his action has not had any effect on him," Gaekwad said.

Asked about the question of openers, Gaekwad said the focus in this camp had been on the three players picked to do the job, and he was happy with the way Jadeja, Sidhu and Laxman were shaping up. "Mongia will be asked to open only in an emergency," he said.

Asked to sum up the tour prospects, Gaekwad said, "We are going to New Zealand with a competitive team, and we expect good results though we cannot underestimate the Kiwis since they are a young side now moulding itself into a top class unit."

UNI